May 13 Brands We LOVE: Teixits Vicens, Pollença.

For 3 years I have been wanting to go watch how these gorgeous Ikat Fabrics are made and today was finally the day! I have passed by this building at the far end of Pollença many times but always after closing hours. Today I got to spend some time in the Workshop guided by Joan, and he explained in such detail how his family tradition has been passed down for 5 generations and how it's been the family business since 1854.

Can you imagine keeping a family business alive for so many years, through so many ups and downs and times of mass production? There is something to say for that and when you take a tour through the workshop you can sense the excitement from each person, who is somehow tied to this extraordinary family. They are proud to be part of this tradition and proud of Mallorca to be upholding such a design that has a long standing history. The "Ikat" design or "Cloth of Tongues" is an ancient design with origins that are unable to be traced. While speaking with Joan he told me how researchers from South America came to the workshop and were in awe that this fabric was being produced and hoping to gain knowledge from generations past on where it came from. Until this day the research continues and it's origins yet to be discovered.

When I was told that it takes 2 months from start to finish to complete a fabric you realized why the pieces were at a higher price point, and justifiably so! The Ikat is the first fabrics that they had started with and still to this day remain to be the most popular. In various colors but I was drawn to the deep blues and teals that remind me so much of Mallorca and the gorgeous colors of the Mediterranean that surround it. Here is a short walk through of the process and if you ever find yourself in Pollença, do make a stop at this shop and I encourage you to take the tour. It's a deeper understanding of handmade artisans, the passion of family traditions and the joy of hard work proudly shown off in your home!

LTM TIP: A table runner or full table cloth will be the best souvenir you will buy on the island, and it will be the talk of your next dinner party. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles of Mallorcan Olive Oil & Wine. 